During this part, you will assess current staffing and competencies to identify your talent pool and develop strategies for recruitment, development, and retention.
Steps
1. Identify the Talent Pool:
Scope the succession management effort by assessing the current staff in key positions and pipeline classifications. Identify staffing patterns and any challenges in these classifications that may impact succession management efforts. Review and evaluate candidate sources and recruitment strategies currently used for key positions and their pipeline classifications.
2. Knowledge Transfer:
Identify the types of knowledge needed for key positions and whether the organization has established methods for capturing and transferring that knowledge. There are three major types of knowledge to consider:
- Explicit knowledge: Concrete, easily recorded knowledge like processes and procedures.
- Tacit knowledge: Knowledge gained through experience or relationships, such as mentoring.
- Institutional knowledge: Cultural understanding of the organization, including history, expectations, and internal dynamics, captured through archives and shared experiences.
3. Identify Competency Gaps:
Use tools like the Readiness Assessment to objectively measure an employee's potential to take on key positions. Compare current competencies of candidates with those needed now and in the future for the key positions, as identified in Part 1. Develop a process to measure these gaps.
4. Develop a Communication Plan:
Educate employees on succession management and available strategies. Promote participation in succession management through targeted messaging. Keep employees engaged with ongoing communication.
Succession Management and the Merit System
As a civil service employer, ensure all succession management activities uphold the merit system. Selection for programs should be based on objective criteria, not personal preferences. All employees should be informed and given equal opportunity to participate. It is recommended that assessment and selection processes be documented to maintain objectivity.
Go to Part 3
